Right on Virgil, thanks! I hear you, I am about to turn 32 and grew up on 125s and 250s before moving to four strokes. Now back on the two strokes haha! I love it.
I just did my rear axle on a 97 RM250 last night and had the same issue. It was rust welded to the bushings. And my axle bolt was in the opposite way. Need to verify direction with my manual if it matters.
Love the videos I've been a RM freak since my 1st RM 80 and I'm 56yrs old these videos make my day .there is a guy in Wisconsin 2 vintage his videos rock too thx
@@peterdalmationcro4217 Yes I have! I have the full build series on my channel. I also completed a YZ250, CR250, and KX250 and did two shootout videos with them all. Highly recommend checking it out!
You should get yourself the zinc plating kit from caswell they are actually pretty cheap and super easy to do and then youcan replate the axels etc when you do these types of projects again and then for future work the axels and swing arm bolts will always be easy
It's such a pain in the ass when a bike fights you all the way and all you're trying to do is show it some love. Can't wait to see how this one turns out been an rm fan boy. Good luck looks like you need it 😂
@@GregHitchko I know exactly what you mean i was tearing down my yz426 and the bolt on the dog bone was seized solid ended up taking a lump hammer to it and breaking it into pieces haha i can imagine the amount of swear words off camera 😅
I just got a bike. Guy said it was an 06 but I knew it wasn’t due to the rear brake reservoir. Believe it is an 03 but it has Showa stickers on the forks. I need to rebuild with. How can I tell if they are Showa or not.? Thank you. Your videos are the best on TH-cam. Wish you were in GA. We would ride. Stay up brother.
Dang dude! That's little unfortunate for sure! I appreciate the kind words 🙏🏼. Are you able to send me some pictures to my instagram or email? I would be able to identify whether they are KYB or Showa. You can tell by the fork cap as well as the bottom of the outer tube. The Showa is kind of smooth and looks like one piece, where as the KYB looks like a collar on the bottom of the outer tube, almost like two pieces. @greghitchko or hitchmotoko@gmail.com if you want to send me pictures!
Oil that's used only by the trans doesn't really turn black from use, the reason engine oil turns black is from acid that is left behind on the cylinder walls from the burn't fuel (acid is a bi- product of burn't fossil fuel) and that is actually part of the oil's job, besides lubricating, is to flush the acid from the cylinder walls and the acid is what makes engine oil turn black.
Super interesting fact Rob! So if it wasn't that black, it either means the oil hadn't been in there long enough to flush the acid from the cylinder walls or the motor is running more efficiently?
@@GregHitchko It's a PITA but I'll get it fixed up. New carb, throttle cable, clutch cable (and adjustment inside the motor) new shift lever, bars, pad and probably more with the brakes and rear suspension. May need some linkage bearings and stuff too.
Hinson makes the best clutch components, hopefully they still make stuff for the 03! A heavier flywheel would be solid too for more lugability and low end. I actually still have the one from this bike if you want one!
Dead blow doesn’t have enough umph to drive the rear axle or the steering stem out. Hand to god I’ve never had an issue with a single axle or steering stem. I’ve restored dirtbike’s from the 1970’s and 1980’s and 1990’s. You need to use the proper mallet and driver and protect the threads. As far as that bike goes it is like new compared to the roaches I’ve restored.
I was super surprised about it! Didn't think I wouldn't be able to get the rear axle out, still working on that as we speak haha. Thanks for the support Linden!
Hey Greg,what is your opinion for the 10oz flywheel weight on rm 250? i ride it on my 2008 i like the feeling but i destroyed my 3 gear after many hours riding,now i have new 3 gear and now it feels also strange when i shift gears?greets from austria
I actually don’t have any experience with a flywheel, but I hear they make the motor much more tractable and are great for woods riding because of it. Those bikes have a tendency to have the dogs on 2nd and 3rd gear start to round out over time, they are just softer. So it may be that you need to swap out those gears soon
@@GregHitchko I suppose 2300$ isn't that bad at all as I see a guy selling his '03 for 3000$. Judging by the pictures it looks clean, no visible rust nor any major cracks. But gonna a send a friend down to check it out. So, when is the next part coming up?
@@Naiki5 I feel you on that! Same thing I was running into when I was looking, the older bikes are still going for 3K plus...Even if you have to put a little cash into it finding an 06 is definitely like a unicorn! Next is going to be the engine tear down which will take place in the next couple weeks.
I like these videos. I love two strokes, I’m in my 40’s so these dominated when I was growing up
Right on Virgil, thanks! I hear you, I am about to turn 32 and grew up on 125s and 250s before moving to four strokes. Now back on the two strokes haha! I love it.
I took a 10 year break and I’m in the market to get back in it. Can’t believe how much used Dirtbikes have increased in prices.
@@virgillivingston8079 it is INSANE right now, I thought I was lucky to grab this for 2K
Sweet job on all the 2strokes
I just did my rear axle on a 97 RM250 last night and had the same issue. It was rust welded to the bushings. And my axle bolt was in the opposite way. Need to verify direction with my manual if it matters.
Love the videos I've been a RM freak since my 1st RM 80 and I'm 56yrs old these videos make my day .there is a guy in Wisconsin 2 vintage his videos rock too thx
Hells yeah!! After riding this RM, I’m definitely an RM army lover now. I believe the hype in them!
Same, It’s sort of like all of us RM lovers are in a weird cult... I don’t mind though, I’ll always love em.
@@peterdalmationcro4217 I am for sure an RM fan now. Love the bike!
@@GregHitchko Have you finished the resto?, I know parts come sometimes be an issue for the RM’s lately.
@@peterdalmationcro4217 Yes I have! I have the full build series on my channel. I also completed a YZ250, CR250, and KX250 and did two shootout videos with them all. Highly recommend checking it out!
I just picked up a 2002 Cr 250 it looked like it hasn't been washed in years but luckily it came apart with know issues.
You should get yourself the zinc plating kit from caswell they are actually pretty cheap and super easy to do and then youcan replate the axels etc when you do these types of projects again and then for future work the axels and swing arm bolts will always be easy
Great video I have a 2006 RM 250 also and I love it
Future reference you can use a ratchet strap to hold the fram to the stand without it tipping forward
Keep posting vids like this and you’ll grow alottttt
Thanks Mark! That is certainly the plan without a doubt. Stay posted for more to come!
It's such a pain in the ass when a bike fights you all the way and all you're trying to do is show it some love. Can't wait to see how this one turns out been an rm fan boy. Good luck looks like you need it 😂
Hahaha right?!? There was some serious frustration that would coming out. I tried not to be too negative for the video but it was true emotion
@@GregHitchko I know exactly what you mean i was tearing down my yz426 and the bolt on the dog bone was seized solid ended up taking a lump hammer to it and breaking it into pieces haha i can imagine the amount of swear words off camera 😅
@@tomatoknuckles hahaha exactly. We have alllll been there done that! Many times...every time 🤣
@@GregHitchko m
Great video man I love bike build videos soooooo much!
Haha hell yeahhh thanks man! I have a good time making them, glad you're stoked on them 👊🏼
I just got a bike. Guy said it was an 06 but I knew it wasn’t due to the rear brake reservoir. Believe it is an 03 but it has Showa stickers on the forks. I need to rebuild with. How can I tell if they are Showa or not.? Thank you. Your videos are the best on TH-cam. Wish you were in GA. We would ride. Stay up brother.
Dang dude! That's little unfortunate for sure! I appreciate the kind words 🙏🏼. Are you able to send me some pictures to my instagram or email? I would be able to identify whether they are KYB or Showa. You can tell by the fork cap as well as the bottom of the outer tube. The Showa is kind of smooth and looks like one piece, where as the KYB looks like a collar on the bottom of the outer tube, almost like two pieces. @greghitchko or hitchmotoko@gmail.com if you want to send me pictures!
Oil that's used only by the trans doesn't really turn black from use, the reason engine oil turns black is from acid that is left behind on the cylinder walls from the burn't fuel (acid is a bi- product of burn't fossil fuel) and that is actually part of the oil's job, besides lubricating, is to flush the acid from the cylinder walls and the acid is what makes engine oil turn black.
Super interesting fact Rob! So if it wasn't that black, it either means the oil hadn't been in there long enough to flush the acid from the cylinder walls or the motor is running more efficiently?
“Seriously, what is going on here” 😂 I lost count of how may time I said that when I pulled my KX apart.
😂😂 might have left out a four letter word we all know and love, a time or two haha
@@GregHitchkoHaha, totally!
Nice job! This is making me want to go out and start a rebuild project. Cheers
Right on dude! I fully support that move
I'm doing a '93 RM250 fix up currently. Not as in depth as your build but fun nonetheless. :) I paid like 1300 for mine. (In 2021)
Right on that’s awesome! Great find too. That will be so sweet when it’s done
@@GregHitchko I hope so. Hoping it goes better than my '79 YZ400 basket case haha.
@@AjackLee4 Dangg I ca only imagine what might be going on with that haha
@@GregHitchko It's a PITA but I'll get it fixed up. New carb, throttle cable, clutch cable (and adjustment inside the motor) new shift lever, bars, pad and probably more with the brakes and rear suspension. May need some linkage bearings and stuff too.
What forks and shock are you planning to use?
I'm about to do a 93 restomod build
How the hell could anyone let there rm get to this state 😫
So sad but we have people like us who can give them a great second life haha
@@GregHitchko cant wait to see the end product
@@promxrippa thanks man, really looking forward to it
The one I got ahold of is in even worse shape. Will be doing a frame up job on it. Not gonna powdercoat frame at time to save some money.
I’m looking for a clutch kit upgrade for my 03 rm250, that would be good for trail riding any suggestions
Hinson makes the best clutch components, hopefully they still make stuff for the 03! A heavier flywheel would be solid too for more lugability and low end. I actually still have the one from this bike if you want one!
Dead blow doesn’t have enough umph to drive the rear axle or the steering stem out. Hand to god I’ve never had an issue with a single axle or steering stem. I’ve restored dirtbike’s from the 1970’s and 1980’s and 1990’s. You need to use the proper mallet and driver and protect the threads. As far as that bike goes it is like new compared to the roaches I’ve restored.
I can't even imagine man! Could be way worse, but yeah I was super careful not to butcher the threads when getting it out.
Hahahah another A++ video! definitely the worst condition out of the bunch
I was super surprised about it! Didn't think I wouldn't be able to get the rear axle out, still working on that as we speak haha. Thanks for the support Linden!
Hey Greg,what is your opinion for the 10oz flywheel weight on rm 250? i ride it on my 2008 i like the feeling but i destroyed my 3 gear after many hours riding,now i have new 3 gear and now it feels also strange when i shift gears?greets from austria
I actually don’t have any experience with a flywheel, but I hear they make the motor much more tractable and are great for woods riding because of it. Those bikes have a tendency to have the dogs on 2nd and 3rd gear start to round out over time, they are just softer. So it may be that you need to swap out those gears soon
@@GregHitchko ok thanks ,do you know this problem that 3 gear is broken? have the rm 250 a durability problem with gears?
Probably too late, but is that tank still for sale?
Yes too late but I appreciate you asking dude!
06 is the best year
Pumped to put mine back together and rip it!
do you think the previous owner did enduro from the oversized tank?
Pretty positive! Plus it has a heavier flywheel on it too
Are you gonna use the bike for motocross?
@@ajbritton1569 yessir, that’s the plan!
Very helpful, thank you.
Glad you found it helpful my dude!
How can I get in touch about buying the tank you are selling?
Here is my email! ghitchko@gmail.com
Hi Greg, I’ll buy the larger desert tank, thanks
Already traded it with someone for a regular tank, thanks though!
The bike looks sick hope there’s no major issues with it.
Thanks Elijah, nothing crazy fortunately! Can't wait to clean it up and start throwing it back together.
Radiator's are nice and straight😀👍
@@graemebartmann7872 yeahh buddy, I was pumped on that!
@@GregHitchko Just finished a 2012 KX450f build.Turned out sweet.Wish I could share a pic?
@@graemebartmann7872 I'd love to see it! Do you have instagram? I am @greghitchko
Wd40 or pb i prefer wd
Gotta love both. Big fan of WD as well. Perfect to keep the pipe from rusting.
Is that tank still for sale?
Tank already sold. Thanks for asking!
Still got that carb?
Sold!
Lectron carbs are garbage 1/3 are bad out the box and you have to keep tuning them every ride
How much did you pay for it?
2K! Check out my "Best Years Rm250" on my channel for an intro of the bike! th-cam.com/video/vmnsJKebPSE/w-d-xo.html
@@GregHitchko just finished it. Good bro tip tho haha.
I have my eye on a 06, guy has it on sale for about 2300$.
@@Naiki5 Haha right on. $2,300 really isn't a bad price. What kind of condition is it in?
@@GregHitchko I suppose 2300$ isn't that bad at all as I see a guy selling his '03 for 3000$. Judging by the pictures it looks clean, no visible rust nor any major cracks. But gonna a send a friend down to check it out. So, when is the next part coming up?
@@Naiki5 I feel you on that! Same thing I was running into when I was looking, the older bikes are still going for 3K plus...Even if you have to put a little cash into it finding an 06 is definitely like a unicorn! Next is going to be the engine tear down which will take place in the next couple weeks.
Rm AF
Now that would be sick, maybe an upcoming proejct!
Go buy a new one 😂